Remote start control system for a vehicle with a bus controllable brake and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A remote start control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, an engine, at least one vehicle brake being selectively operable based upon a parking brake command on the data communications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climate control command on data communications bus. The remote start control system may include a remote start transmitter to generate a remote start signal, and a vehicle remote start controller at the vehicle that may include a receiver to receive the remote start signal, and at least one processor cooperating with the receiver. The at least one processor, in response to the remote start signal, may generate the parking brake command on the data communications bus, generate the climate control command on the data communications bus, and start the engine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of remote vehicle starting,and, more particularly, to remote vehicle starting devices and relatedmethods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote vehicle starting systems are widely used to allow a user to starta vehicle before entering the vehicle, so as to allow the engine of thevehicle to warm up to operating temperatures, for example. A typicalremote starting system, for example, includes a central processor orcontroller connected to a starter circuit for the vehicle engine tocause the starter circuit to start the vehicle engine. A typical remotestarting system also includes a receiver associated with the controllerthat cooperates with one or more remote transmitters typically carriedby the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,242 toSassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori. The remotetransmitter may be used to operate the remote start system. Also relatedto remote control of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 toLambropoulous et al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for avehicle. The keyless entry system permits the user to remotely open thevehicle doors or open the vehicle trunk using a small handheldtransmitter.

Some remote start systems are connected to other vehicle devices toprovide functionality in addition to remote starting. Unfortunately,many prior remote start systems needed to be directly connected by wiresto individual vehicle devices. In other words, such a remote startsystem was hardwired to various vehicle components, typically bysplicing into vehicle wiring harnesses or via interposing T-harnessesand connectors. The number of electrical devices in a vehicle hasincreased so that the size and complexity of wiring harnesses alsoincreased. For example, the steering wheel may include horn switches, anairbag, turn-signal and headlight switches, wiper controls, cruisecontrol switches, ignition wiring, an emergency flasher switch, and/orradio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle, for example, may includewindow controls, locks, outside mirror switches, and/or door-panel lightswitches.

In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehiclemanufacturers have reduced the amount of wiring within vehicles toreduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs, and reducecomplications which may arise when troubleshooting the electricalsystem. For example, some manufacturers have adopted multiplexingschemes to reduce cables to three or four wires and to simplify theexchange of data among the various onboard electronic systems asdisclosed, for example, in “The Thick and Thin of Car Cabling” byThompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp. 42-45. TheThompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks forvehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler isdescribed as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the enginecontroller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the theftalarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different vehicles mayinclude a transmission controller, a trip computer, an instrumentcluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an active suspensioncontroller, and a body controller for devices in the passengercompartment.

A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplexcommunications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al, discloses amultiplex bus system including a master control unit and a plurality ofreceiver-transmitter units connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.4,055,772 to Leung discloses a power bus in a vehicle controlled by alow current digitally coded communications system. Other referencesdisclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems include, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.

Several standards have been developed for vehicle multiplex networksincluding, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers “SurfaceVehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface”, SAEJ1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the “Surface VehicleInformation Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus MultiplexingNetwork for Class ‘A’ Applications”, SAE J2058, July 1990.

Remote starting of the engine presents additional difficulties comparedto some other vehicle control applications. This is so because startingthe engine may require certain vehicle conditions are correct prior tostarting the engine and while the engine is running with the vehicleunattended. It may also be necessary for a remote starter system tobypass an immobilizer device which is part of the security system ofsome vehicles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,578 to Drew entitled“Vehicle Engine Start Control Apparatus Including Interface DeviceFacilitating Installation and Related Methods” discloses a remote startsystem which is hardwire connected via mating plugs for moreconveniently bypassing an immobilizer circuit based upon a codedresistance of the ignition key.

A significant advance in remote start control of a vehicle is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,031,826 to Flick, and assigned to the assignee of thepresent application. The patent discloses integration of remote startfunctions in a vehicle include a data communications bus extendingthroughout the vehicle. In aftermarket embodiments, installation of thereceiver and associated controller is greatly simplified as compared toequivalent hard-wired systems.

Also relating to remote starting, U.S. Pat. No. 7,031,826 to Flick,discloses determining a transmission position from the data bus, beforepermitting remote starting. U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,626, also to Flick,discloses a remote climate control system operable over the data bus ina hybrid vehicle including a combination gas/electric power train, or anelectric only vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,126, also to Flick, disclosesa window control system that operates via remote commands received atthe vehicle and sent over the data bus within the vehicle.

Despite advances in vehicle remote control, particularly viacommunication over the vehicle data bus, further advancements in thefield are still desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a remote start system for a vehicle thatprovides additional functionality and user convenience.

This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a remote start control system for avehicle that includes a data communications bus extending through thevehicle, an engine, at least one vehicle brake being selectivelyoperable based upon a parking brake command on the data communicationsbus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climatecontrol command on the data communications bus. The remote start systemmay include a remote start transmitter remote from the vehicle andconfigured to generate a remote start signal, and a vehicle remote startcontroller at the vehicle. The vehicle remote start controller mayinclude a receiver configured to receive the remote start signal fromthe remote start transmitter, and at least one processor cooperatingwith the receiver. The at least one processor may be configured to, inresponse to the remote start signal, generate the parking brake commandon the data communications bus to operate the at least one vehiclebrake, generate the climate control command on the data communicationsbus to operate the climate control system, and start the engine.

The at least one vehicle brake may include a plurality of vehiclebrakes, and the at least one processor may be configured to generate theparking brake command to operate the plurality of vehicle brakes, forexample. The at least one vehicle brake may include a pair of front orrear brakes, and the at least one processor may be configured togenerate the parking brake command to operate the pair of front or rearbrakes. In addition, the at least one processor may be configured tostart the engine after generating the parking brake command and beforegenerating the climate control command.

The vehicle may include a vehicle interior temperature sensor incommunication with the vehicle remote start controller, and the at leastone processor may generate the climate control command on the datacommunications bus also based upon the vehicle interior temperaturesensor, for example. In some applications, the vehicle interiortemperature sensor may be coupled to the data bus for communication withthe vehicle remote start controller thereover.

The climate control system may include an air conditioning compressor.The at least one processor may be configured to generate the climatecontrol command to activate the air conditioning compressor when aninterior temperature sensed from the interior temperature sensor isabove a threshold. The climate control system may also include a heater.The at least one processor may be configured to generate the climatecontrol command to activate the heater when an interior temperaturesensed from the vehicle interior temperature sensor is below athreshold.

The climate control system may include a ventilation blower. The atleast one processor may be configured to generate the climate controlcommand to activate the ventilation blower, for example.

The remote start transmitter may include a cellular telephone.Alternatively, or additionally, the remote start transmitter may be acentral monitoring station communicating over the cellularcommunications network. Of course the remote start transmitter may beprovided by a cellphone communicating directly with the vehicle receiver(e.g. Bluetooth or WiFi), indirectly with the vehicle receive via thecellular network, or via a communication path through a centralmonitoring station.

The remote start controller may in the form of one or more housings,including associated circuitry, added to vehicle after its originalmanufacture—in other words, the remote start controller may be providedby one or more aftermarket components, considered alone or incooperation with one or more factory controllers. In other embodiments,the circuitry for the remote start controller may be provided in thevehicle as part of the original factory assembly. In addition, thevehicle remote start controller may be a multi-vehicle compatible remotestart controller

A method aspect is directed to a method of operating a remote startcontrol system for a vehicle that includes a data communications busextending through the vehicle, at least one vehicle brake beingselectively operable based upon a parking brake command on the datacommunications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable basedupon a climate control command on the data communications bus. Themethod may include, in response to a remote start signal from a remotestart transmitter away from the vehicle, generating, using a vehicleremote start controller at the vehicle, the parking brake command on thedata communications bus to operate the at least one vehicle brake,generating, using the vehicle remote start controller, the climatecontrol command on the data communications bus to operate the vehicleclimate control system, and starting, using the vehicle remote startcontroller, the engine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a remote start system for avehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of operating the remote start systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of aremote start system for a vehicle in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating the remote start systemof FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another method of operating the remote startsystem of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of a remotestart system for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of operating the remote climatecontrol system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a remote start system for avehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of operating the remote start systemof FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime and multiple primenotations are used to indicate similar elements in alternateembodiments.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a remote start control system 20 for avehicle 35 is now described. The vehicle includes a data communicationsbus 21 extending throughout the vehicle, an engine 24, and atransmission 26 associated with the engine. The engine 24 may be acombustion engine, and the transmission 26 may be an automatictransmission or an electronically controlled manual transmission. Astarter circuit 22 is coupled to the data communications bus 21 and tothe combustion engine for starting the engine, and may include both astarter and a relay or other controller, such as a powertraincontroller, for staring the engine.

A transmission actuator circuit 28 is coupled to the data communicationsbus 21 and to the transmission 26 for operating the transmission, andmay include both a transmission actuator and a relay or othercontroller, such as a powertrain or transmission controller.

The vehicle 35 further includes a vehicle remote climate control system30 operable based upon a climate control command on the datacommunications bus 21. This vehicle remote climate control system 30 mayinclude an air conditioning compressor, a ventilation blower, and/or aheater. The air conditioning compressor may be mechanically operated viaa physical link to the engine (i.e. a belt or shaft), or may beelectrically operated. The ventilation blower is typically electricallyoperated. The source of heat for the heater may come from engine wasteheat or be electrically generated.

It should be appreciated that the data communications bus 21 may be adigital, serial data communications bus, used to multiplexcommunications between the various vehicle components. By extendingthrough the vehicle 35, it should be understood that the datacommunications bus 21 may physically extend through the vehicle, thatis, such as, through both the passenger compartment and the enginecompartment. The data bus 21 may include a high speed data bus, lowspeed data bus, or both within the vehicle.

The transmission 26 has a selectable disengaged position based upon adisengage transmission position command on the data communications bus21. By selectable disengaged position, it is meant that the engine 24 isdecoupled from the drive wheels such that the vehicle 35 remainsstationary while the engine runs. As such, those of skill in the artwill understand that the selectable disengaged position may be a park orneutral position. Neutral may be accomplished via the disengagement of aclutch in the transmission from the engine in the case where thetransmission 26 is an electronically controlled manual transmission, forexample.

A vehicle remote start controller 40 includes a receiver 46 at thevehicle 35. The vehicle remote start controller 40 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 42 or processor coupled to a bus interface 44. Ofcourse, there may be more than one CPU 42, and/or the functions may beshared across multiple CPUs. The bus interface 44 of the vehicle remotestart controller 40 is, in turn, coupled to the data communications bus21 for communications thereover.

The receiver 46 is for receiving a remote start signal, such as, from aremote start transmitter 48 to be carried by a user when away from thevehicle 35, and configured to transmit the remote start signal. Theremote start transmitter 48 may allow for the sending of differentremote start signals that cause the vehicle remote start controller 40to output different start commands on the data communications bus 21that cause the operation of different vehicle components.

In other embodiments, the remote start transmitter 48 may be a centralmonitoring station communicating over the cellular communicationsnetwork. The remote start transmitter 48 may also be provided by acellphone communicating directly with the vehicle receiver, indirectlywith the vehicle receiver via the cellular network, or via acommunication path through a central monitoring station.

In some embodiments, the remote start transmitter 48 may have a receiverincorporated therein for two-way communication with the vehicle in someembodiments. Accordingly, the user may be able to access an internaltemperature of the vehicle before deciding whether to perform a remotestart.

The CPU 42, in response to the receiver 46 receiving the remote startsignal, is configured to generate the disengage transmission positioncommand on the data communications bus 21 to select the disengagedposition for the transmission 26. This causes the transmission actuatorcircuit 28 to shift the transmission 26 to the disengaged position. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the disengaged positionmay not need to be selected unless the transmission is already in anengaged position. Accordingly, one or more sensors, not shown, maysupply the state of the transmission to the vehicle remote startcontroller 40 in some embodiments.

The CPU 42, in response to the receiver 46 receiving the remote startsignal is also configured to generate the climate control command on thedata communications bus 21 to operate the vehicle climate control system30. This causes operation of the air conditioning compressor,ventilation blower, and/or heater, as will be appreciated by those ofskill in the art. The CPU 42, in response to the receiver 46 receivingthe remote start signal is further configured to start the engine 24 bygenerating a start signal on the data communications bus 21 for thestarter circuit 22 to start the engine.

It should be understood that these functions need not be performed inthe order described above. For example, the vehicle remote startcontroller 40, via the CPU 42, may generate the disengage transmissionposition command on the data communications bus 21 before generating theclimate control command. The CPU 42 may generate the disengagetransmission position command before starting the engine 24, but aftergenerating the climate control command. Indeed, these commands may begenerated in any order depending on the application, and the order ofcommand generation may be set by the remote start transmitter 48 or thevehicle remote start controller 40 in some applications. Allowing thecommands to be generated in different orders may allow easier adaptionof the remote start system 20 to different vehicles and different userdesires.

The vehicle 35 may include a vehicle interior temperature sensor 32 incommunication with the vehicle remote start controller 40, such as overthe data communications bus 21. In other embodiments, the temperaturesensor 32 may be hardwire connected. This vehicle interior temperaturesensor 32 senses the temperature of the passenger compartment of thevehicle. The vehicle remote start controller 40 may also generate theclimate control command on the data communications bus 21 based upon thevehicle interior temperature sensor 32. For example, the climate controlcommand may activate the air conditioning compressor if the vehicleinterior temperature sensor 32 reports the vehicle interior temperatureis above a threshold, and may activate the heater if the vehicleinterior temperate is below a threshold. In other embodiments, theclimate control system 30 may be activated further based upon anexternal temperature sensor, not shown, alone or in combination with theinternal sensor 32.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the remote start system20 may be multi-vehicle compatible. More details of multi-vehiclecompatible devices may be found in the following references, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and assignedto the assignee of the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 7,378,945; U.S.Pat. No. 7,369,936; U.S. Pat. No. 7,224,083; U.S. Pat. No. 7,205,679;U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,822; U.S. Pat. No. 7,068,153; U.S. Pat. No.7,046,126; U.S. Pat. No. 7,031,826; U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,402; U.S. Pat.No. 6,812,829; U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,886; U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,885; U.S.Pat. No. 6,529,124; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,876.

With reference to the flowchart 112 shown in FIG. 2, a method ofoperating the remote start system is now described. After the start(Block 114), the disengage transmission position command is generated onthe data communications bus to select the disengaged position for thetransmission, using the vehicle remote start controller and in responseto the remote start signal (Block 116). Then, the engine is startedusing the vehicle remote start controller and in response to the remotestart signal (Block 118). Thereafter, the climate control command isgenerated on the data communications bus to operate the vehicle climatecontrol system, using the vehicle remote start controller and also inresponse to the remote start signal (Block 120). Block 122 indicates theend of the method.

With reference to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the remote start controlsystem 20′ is now described. The various components shared in commonwith the remote start control system 20 shown in FIG. 1 operatesimilarly and need no further description. In this embodiment, one ormore window motors 50′ of the vehicle are coupled to the datacommunications bus 21′, either directly or through an interveningcontroller, such as the Body Control Module (BCM). The window motor 50′operates a window of the vehicle 35′ (i.e. opens, closes, partiallyopens, partially closes).

In response to receiving the remote start signal via the receiver 46′,the vehicle remote start controller 40′ and particularly the CPU 42′ isconfigured to generate the move window command on the datacommunications bus 21′ to cause the window motor 50′ to move the vehiclewindow. In response to receiving the remote start signal via thereceiver 46′, the CPU 42′ is also configured to generate the climatecontrol command on the data communications bus 21′ to operate thevehicle climate control system 30′. In response to receiving the remotestart signal via the receiver 46′, the vehicle remote start controller40′ is further configured to generate a start command causing thestarter circuit 22′ to start the engine 24′. As explained above, themove window command, climate control command, and start command may begenerated in any order. Moreover, the desired window position may beprogrammable upon installation, or selectable upon remote starting aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, it may bedesirable to slightly open the windows before starting the airconditioning.

It should be appreciated that the vehicle 35′ may have multiple windows,and that therefore multiple window motors 50′ may be coupled to the datacommunications bus 21′, and that the vehicle remote start controller 40′may control some or all of these window motors 50′ in the fashiondescribed above. Moreover, these window motors 50′ may be operatedindependently of each other by the vehicle remote start controller 40′(i.e. different windows may be operated differently, such that a pair ofwindows is opened while a pair of windows remains closed, for example).

With reference to the flowchart 130 shown in FIG. 4, a method ofoperating the remote start system 20′ as shown in FIG. 3 is nowdescribed. After the start (Block 132), the engine is started using thevehicle remote start controller and in response to a remote start signalreceived by the receiver (Block 134). Thereafter, the move windowcommand is generated on the data communications bus to cause the windowmotor to move the vehicle window, using the remote start controller(Block 136). Then, a climate control command is generated on the datacommunications bus to operate the vehicle climate control system, usingthe remote start controller (Block 138). Block 140 indicates the end ofthe method.

With reference to the flowchart 142 shown in FIG. 5, another method ofoperating the remote start system 20′ as shown in FIG. 3 is nowdescribed. After the start (Block 144), the move window command isgenerated on the data communications bus to cause the window motor tomove the vehicle window, using the remote start controller and inresponse to a remote start signal received by the receiver (Block 146).Then, the engine is started using the vehicle remote start controllerand in response to a remote start signal received by the receiver (Block148). Thereafter, a climate control command is generated on the datacommunications bus to operate the vehicle climate control system, usingthe remote start controller (Block 150). Block 152 indicates the end ofthe method.

With reference to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of the remote startsystem 20″ is now described. The various components shared in commonwith the remote start control system 20 shown in FIG. 1 operatesimilarly and need no further description. In this embodiment, a vehiclecomponent actuator circuit 51″ that operates a movable vehicle component52″ is coupled to the data communications bus 21″. The vehicle componentactuator circuit 51″ may include the actuator itself and interveningcircuitry or controllers, such as a body control module. The movablevehicle component 52″ may be a vehicle interior component, such as aseat, telescoping and tilting steering wheel, adjustable pedal(s), or arear view mirror actuator. The movable vehicle component 52″ may also bea vehicle exterior component, such as a side view mirror, wiper blade,or trunk latch, etc.

Here, the vehicle remote start controller 40″, and particularly, the CPU42″, in response to a remote start signal received by the receiver 46″,is configured to generate the movable vehicle component command on thedata communications bus 21″ to move the at least one vehicle componentactuator 51″. The movement of the at least one vehicle componentactuator 51″ may be based upon personalized settings for the vehiclecomponent stored at the vehicle, or by the vehicle remote startcontroller 40″. Alternatively, the movement of the at least one vehiclecomponent actuator 51″ may be based upon input received via the remotestart transmitter 48″. The vehicle CPU 42″, in response to the remotestart signal, is also configured to generate the climate control commandon the data communications bus 21″ to operate the vehicle climatecontrol system 30″.

The vehicle remote start controller 40″, and particularly, the CPU 42″,in response to the remote start signal, is further configured togenerate a start signal on the data communications bus 21″ to cause thestart circuit 22″ to start the engine 24″. As explained above, it shouldbe understood that the moveable vehicle component command, climatecontrol command, and start command may be generated in different orders.

With reference to the flowchart 160 shown in FIG. 7, a method ofoperating the remote starting system 20″ shown in FIG. 6 is nowdescribed. After the start (Block 162), the movable vehicle componentcommand is generated on the data communications bus to thereby move theat least one vehicle component actuator, using the vehicle remote startcontroller and in response to the remote start signal being received bythe receiver (Block 164). Thereafter, a climate control command isgenerated on the data communications bus to operate the vehicle climatecontrol system, using the remote start controller (Block 166). Then, theengine is started using the vehicle remote start controller and inresponse to a remote start signal received by the receiver (Block 168).Block 170 indicates the end of the method.

With reference to FIG. 8, a further embodiment of the remote startsystem 20′″ is now described. The various components shared in commonwith the remote start control system 20 shown in FIG. 1 operatesimilarly and need no further description. In this embodiment, thevehicle includes at least one vehicle brake 54′″, although it should beappreciated that the vehicle may have one brake per wheel, rendering thenumber of vehicle brakes to typically be four. A vehicle brake circuit53′″ is coupled to the vehicle brake 54′″ for operating the vehiclebrake. The vehicle brake circuit 53′″ may include a brake actuator and abraking controller, for example. In other words, the vehicle brakesystem may of the type generally described as “brake by wire” whereinstead of a direct hydraulic circuit operated by the driver's foot, thedriver's foot pressure is sensed and digital controls are used to thenoperate the wheel brakes, or driveline brakes for some vehicles.

Here, the vehicle remote start controller 40′″ and particularly, the CPU42′″, in response to a remote start signal received by the receiver46′″, is configured to generate the parking brake command on the datacommunications bus 21′″ to cause the vehicle brake circuit 53′″ tooperate the at least one vehicle brake 54′″. The CPU 42′″ is furtherconfigured to generate the climate control command on the datacommunications bus 21′″ to operate the vehicle climate control system30″′, in response to the remote start signal. The CPU 42′″ is alsoconfigured to generate a start signal on the data communications bus21′″ to cause the starter circuit 22′″ to start the engine 24′″, inresponse to the remote start signal. As explained above, the signals maybe generated in different orders.

It should be appreciated that the vehicle remote start controller 40′″may operate less than all of the vehicle's brakes. For example, the CPU42′″ of the vehicle remote start controller 40′″ may operate a frontpair of brakes, or a rear pair of brakes. In some vehicles, the parkingbrake function is obtained by use of the rear wheel brakes only.Moreover, those of skill in the art should recognize that operating thevehicle brake 54′″ would typically be engaging the brake, but in somecircumstances it may be desirable to disengage the parking brake, forexample. Whether the brakes are engaged or disengaged could be aprogrammable feature, or could be selectable with each remote startselection by the remote transmitter.

With reference to the flowchart 192 shown in FIG. 9, a method ofoperating the remote start system 20′″ of FIG. 8 is now described. Afterthe start (Block 194), a parking brake command is generated on the datacommunications bus to operate the at least one vehicle brake, using thevehicle remote start controller and in response to the remote startsignal (Block 196). Then, the engine is started using the vehicle remotestart controller and in response to the remote start signal (Block 198).Thereafter, the climate control command is generated on the datacommunications bus to operate the vehicle climate control system, usingthe vehicle remote start controller and in response to the remote startsignal (Block 200). Block 202 indicates the end of the method.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the remote startcontrol system may in the form of one or more housings, includingassociated circuitry, added to vehicle after its original manufacture—inother words, the remote start controller may be provided by one or moreaftermarket components, considered alone or in cooperation with one ormore factory controllers. In other embodiments, the circuitry for theremote start controller may be provided in the vehicle as part of theoriginal factory assembly. Accordingly, many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in theart having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understoodthat the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to beincluded.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A remote start control system for a vehiclecomprising a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, anengine, at least one vehicle brake being selectively operable based upona parking brake command on the data communications bus, and a vehicleclimate control system operable based upon a climate control command onthe data communications bus, the remote start control system comprising:a remote start transmitter remote from the vehicle and configured togenerate a remote start signal; and a vehicle remote start controller atthe vehicle and comprising a receiver configured to receive the remotestart signal from said remote start transmitter, and at least oneprocessor cooperating with said receiver and configured to, in responseto the remote start signal, generate the parking brake command on thedata communications bus to operate the at least one vehicle brake,generate the climate control command on the data communications bus tooperate the climate control system, and start the engine.
 2. The remotestart control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle brakecomprises a plurality of vehicle brakes; and wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to generate the parking brake command to operatethe plurality of vehicle brakes.
 3. The remote start control system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle brake comprises a pair offront brakes; and wherein the at least one processor is configured togenerate the parking brake command to operate the pair of front brakes.4. The remote start control system of claim 1, wherein the at least onevehicle brake comprises a pair of rear brakes; and wherein the at leastone processor is configured to generate the parking brake command tooperate the pair of rear brakes.
 5. The remote start control system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one processor is configured to start theengine after generating the parking brake command and before generatingthe climate control command.
 6. The remote start control system of claim1, wherein the vehicle comprises a vehicle interior temperature sensor;and wherein said at least one processor is configured to generate theclimate control command on the data communications bus also based uponthe vehicle interior temperature sensor.
 7. The remote start controlsystem of claim 6, wherein the vehicle interior temperature sensor iscoupled to the data bus for communication with said vehicle remote startcontroller thereover.
 8. The remote start control system of claim 6,wherein the climate control system comprises an air conditioningcompressor; and wherein said at least one processor is configured togenerate the climate control command to activate the air conditioningcompressor when an interior temperature sensed from the vehicle interiortemperature sensor is above a threshold.
 9. The remote start controlsystem of claim 6, wherein the climate control system comprises aheater; and wherein said at least one processor is configured togenerate the climate control command to activate the heater when aninterior temperature sensed from the vehicle interior temperature sensoris below a threshold.
 10. The remote start control system of claim 1,wherein the climate control system comprises a ventilation blower; andwherein said at least one processor is configured to generate theclimate control command to activate the ventilation blower.
 11. Theremote start control system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle remotestart controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller.
 12. The remote start control system of claim 1, wherein saidremote start transmitter comprises a cellular telephone.
 13. The remotestart control system of claim 1, wherein said remote start transmittercomprises a central monitoring station.
 14. A vehicle remote startcontroller for a vehicle comprising a data communications bus extendingthrough the vehicle, an engine, at least one vehicle brake beingselectively operable based upon a parking brake command on the datacommunications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable basedupon a climate control command on the data communications bus, thevehicle remote start controller comprising: a receiver configured toreceive a remote start signal transmitter from a remote starttransmitter remote from the vehicle; and at least one processorcooperating with said receiver and configured to, in response to theremote start signal, generate the parking brake command on the datacommunications bus to operate the at least one vehicle brake, generatethe climate control command on the data communications bus to operatethe climate control system, and start the engine.
 15. The vehicle remotestart controller of claim 14, wherein the at least one vehicle brakecomprises a plurality of vehicle brakes; and wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to generate the parking brake command to operatethe plurality of vehicle brakes.
 16. The vehicle remote start controllerof claim 14, wherein the at least one vehicle brake comprises a pair offront brakes; and wherein the at least one processor is configured togenerate the parking brake command to operate the pair of front brakes.17. The vehicle remote start controller of claim 14, wherein the atleast one vehicle brake comprises a pair of rear brakes; and wherein theat least one processor is configured to generate the parking brakecommand to operate the pair of rear brakes.
 18. The vehicle remote startcontroller of claim 14, wherein said at least one processor isconfigured to start the engine after generating the parking brakecommand and before generating the climate control command.
 19. Thevehicle remote start controller of claim 14, wherein the vehiclecomprises a vehicle interior temperature sensor; and wherein said atleast one processor is configured to generate the climate controlcommand on the data communications bus also based upon the vehicleinterior temperature sensor.
 20. The vehicle remote start controller ofclaim 19, wherein the vehicle interior temperature sensor is coupled tothe data bus for communication thereover.
 21. The vehicle remote startcontroller of claim 19, wherein the climate control system comprises anair conditioning compressor; and wherein said at least one processor isconfigured to generate the climate control command to activate the airconditioning compressor when an interior temperature sensed from thevehicle interior temperature sensor is above a threshold.
 22. Thevehicle remote start controller of claim 19, wherein the climate controlsystem comprises a heater; and wherein said at least one processor isconfigured to generate the climate control command to activate theheater when an interior temperature sensed from the vehicle interiortemperature sensor is below a threshold.
 23. The vehicle remote startcontroller of claim 14, wherein the climate control system comprises aventilation blower; and wherein said at least one processor isconfigured to generate the climate control command to activate theventilation blower.
 24. A method of operating a remote start controlsystem for a vehicle comprising a data communications bus extendingthrough the vehicle, an engine, at least one vehicle brake beingselectively operable based upon a parking brake command on the datacommunications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable basedupon a climate control command on the data communications bus, themethod comprising, in response to a remote start signal from a remotestart transmitter away from the vehicle: generating, using a vehicleremote start controller at the vehicle, the parking brake command on thedata communications bus to operate the at least one vehicle brake;generating, using the vehicle remote start controller, the climatecontrol command on the data communications bus to operate the vehicleclimate control system; and starting, using the vehicle remote startcontroller, the engine.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at leastone vehicle brake comprises a plurality of vehicle brakes; and whereingenerating the parking brake command comprises generating the parkingbrake command to operate the plurality of vehicle brakes.
 26. The methodof claim 24, wherein the at least one vehicle brake comprises a pair offront brakes; and wherein the generating the parking brake commandcomprises generating the parking brake command to operate the pair offront brakes.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least onevehicle brake comprises a pair of rear brakes; and wherein thegenerating the parking brake command comprises generating the parkingbrake command to operate the pair of rear brakes.
 28. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the engine is started by the vehicle remote startcontroller after generating the parking brake command and beforegenerating the climate control command.
 29. The method of claim 24,wherein the vehicle comprises a vehicle interior temperature sensor; andwherein the climate control command is generated on the datacommunications bus also based upon the vehicle interior temperaturesensor.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the climate control systemcomprises an air conditioning compressor; and wherein the climatecontrol command is generated to activate the air conditioning compressorwhen an interior temperature sensed from the vehicle interiortemperature sensor is above a threshold.
 31. The method of claim 29,wherein the climate control system comprises a heater; and wherein theclimate control command is generated to activate the heater when aninterior temperature sensed from the vehicle interior temperature sensoris below a threshold.